Oxidation of Sodium
Description: A piece of sodium is placed in water containing phenolphthalein. A pink trail ensues as the sodium moves over the water’s surface.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol 2 CD-Rom
Source: Elay, Jr., James & Summerlin, Lee Chemical Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers: 2nd Edition
Year: 1985 Vol: 1 Page: 139
Keywords: Sodium, Phenolphthalein, Water, Oxidation, Hydrogen, Oxidation
Ratings: 
Hazard: Medium
- Flammability hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Produces flammable gas during reaction
- Mild toxicity hazard
- Mutagenicity hazard
- Electric shock hazard
- Spill hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- High reliability
- Time to results is low
- Moderate effects are seen by audience
- Primary and secondary effects are observed
Difficulty: Medium
- Sequential steps required
- Some sequential manipulations
- Procedures with some intermediate steps to results
- Demos in which a display is used
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet if necessary
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Avoid inhalation of vapors or droplets during presentation
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Tongs recommended
- Perform on a chemically resistant surface
- Handle liquids with care
Class: Main Group Elements, Oxidation Reduction, Gas Producing Reaction
Division: General
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